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Unsafe: Cheap but Not for Most Travellers

This hostel is unsafe. It’s difficult to write a negative review but I have an obligation to warn travellers. The dangerous part is that they advertise that they provide a free shuttle to the beach every day, but they don’t tell you that you’ll be in the back of a pick up truck (a fine risk for some) and that the driver will likely be high (never okay). When I directly confronted the driver who was about to smoke a joint then drive us, he acted like it was no big deal to risk our lives, and I had to walk and take a cab back. There was zero apology. In truth, this place is more like a flophouse for stoners than a proper hostel. There is marijuana everywhere at all times. That’s fine for some and some people will love the low price. The beach and pool that they drive you to is truly beautiful. The hostel itself is rundown and very dirty. The pool onsite is dirty—the water is cloudy. There are no staff on site. There are only volunteers who are also constantly stoned, so you have to ask them for things many times before anything gets done because they get distracted and forget. I had to wait 24 hours to get toilet paper in my room, for example. Everyone smokes cigarettes and pot everywhere so the smoke is overwhelming. There’s a large guard dog and a...This hostel is unsafe. It’s difficult to write a negative review but I have an obligation to warn travellers. The dangerous part is that they advertise that they provide a free shuttle to the beach every day, but they don’t tell you that you’ll be in the back of a pick up truck (a fine risk for some) and that the driver will likely be high (never okay). When I directly confronted the driver who was about to smoke a joint then drive us, he acted like it was no big deal to risk our lives, and I had to walk and take a cab back. There was zero apology. In truth, this place is more like a flophouse for stoners than a proper hostel. There is marijuana everywhere at all times. That’s fine for some and some people will love the low price. The beach and pool that they drive you to is truly beautiful. The hostel itself is rundown and very dirty. The pool onsite is dirty—the water is cloudy. There are no staff on site. There are only volunteers who are also constantly stoned, so you have to ask them for things many times before anything gets done because they get distracted and forget. I had to wait 24 hours to get toilet paper in my room, for example. Everyone smokes cigarettes and pot everywhere so the smoke is overwhelming. There’s a large guard dog and a small kitten running free, so that’s something to be aware of as well. The average traveller will not like this place. If you’re ok with marijuana and you want a cheap place to crash and don’t care if it’s clean, this could work for you. But please don’t take the free shuttle and risk your life. Take a taxi.More

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Date of stay: December 2017

Trip type: Traveled solo

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Ask Melissa S about The Bird's Nest

3 Thank Melissa S

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

I was here during Spring Break, and I was originally paying $18 a night, and the owner without telling me, charged my credit card $25 a night. I tried to say it wasn't fair, but she wouldn't listen to me and kept the price high.

She didn't even tell me she was overcharging me. I only found out when I logged into my credit account. I wasn't too happy she charged my card that much without telling me.

Also, my credit card number was stolen here and then resold to someone. I know, because I only used that credit card here. Thankfully, my credit card company caught it and froze my cards.

There's good about this place too, though. It has a nice environment, and it's good for making friends. But in general, I just felt cheated after Julia did this to me.

Date of stay: April 2017

Trip type: Traveled solo

Ask Paul C about The Bird's Nest

Thank Paul C

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

TBNJulia, Owner at The Bird's Nest, responded to this reviewResponded September 24, 2017

Paul, this is the second time we reported you for violating Tripadvisor's guidelines. Just as a reminder and for clarification: You asked for a room change from our 6-bed dorm to the 4-bed dorm with air condition and you confirmed the price for the upgrade. You received a receipt for your payment instantly and even wrote us an email thanking us for the wonderful stay. We ARE NOT ABLE to access any of our clients credit card details after the payment is made.

Report response as inappropriateThank you. We appreciate your input.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

I had no idea what to expect from The Bird's Nest when our taxi driver first dropped us off. As soon as I stepped inside though, it was clear that I was in paradise! The Bird's Nest was truly a safe haven in a country that was unfamiliar to me. With that in mind, as my vacation progressed The Bird's Nest became my home away from home. The hostel itself was incredibly nice and well maintained. The scenery was second-to-none! There is a gorgeous array of tropical plants and animals on the premises that almost entices you to never leave the hostel at all! Whether you want to go for a dip in the pool or just kick back on the porch, there is always a spot at The Bird's Nest where you can meet new people and enjoy the wonderful weather. The staff was very helpful and was always there if a problem were to arise. This was my first time ever staying at a hostel and I can say confidently that you should ABSOLUTELY visit one! (The Bird's Nest especially) Over the course of our one-week vacation I met so many friendly people from all over the world! Even if there was a slight language barrier, there was no barrier to how much fun you could have with everyone you met! Ultimately, I don't think my trip to Montego Bay would have been complete without hospitality and warmth I felt at The Bird's Nest! Thank you for an amazing trip, and I hope to go back and visit another day!

Date of stay: March 2017

Trip type: Traveled with friends

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Ask Kyle W about The Bird's Nest

3 Thank Kyle W

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Very relaxing and private. A safe place to see behind the scenes in Jamaica. This is not an all-exclusive resort. You are provided a simple place to stay at an affordable price. Transportation to the super market and beach are provided each day.

The beach we were given was a very private resort style beach.

If you would like a very peaceful vacation with very little interaction with other people this location is great.

Room tip: The cheaper rooms may be shared room. There are two larger rooms that are single person rooms.

Date of stay: September 2016

Trip type: Traveled as a couple

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Ask Tim O about The Bird's Nest

1 Thank Tim O

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Low price nice pool and best host ever . Ian Clark u r awesome. He help me a lot to learn about Jamaica. Location is a little bit far from the center but there is a taxi and services .Good place to start the vacation. Also there is an market close to the hostel if u wanna buy some food o vegetables.Generally Highly recommend

Date of stay: August 2015

Trip type: Traveled with friends

Ask drorlevi23 about The Bird's Nest

Thank drorlevi23

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

This was a short notice stay at this wonderful Villa/Hostel, in the safe area of Ironshore, Montego Bay! My 1st-time in Jamaica, was a wonderful experience, thanks to the great hospitality from Sister Julia at the Bird's Nest! Private Beach at a near-by 5-star resort was stunning and available everyday, along with nearby markets for food! The Bird's Nest has a beautiful fruiting mini-orchard/garden with Breadfruit, Mango, Avocado, Naseberry, Sweetsop, Guinep, Ackee, Pomegranate, Lime, Herbs and more! Perfect place for Vegetarian/Raw Vegan diet and life-style!

The owner and host Julia has a wonderful family and she was very attentive and caring. I extended my stay for days and days and it was "no problem"! The accommodations were always clean,cool and terrific. I would recommend one of the multiple private rooms with private bathrooms! I would definitely stay again, insha'Allah. Allah hafiz and thanks again Sister.